outreach

Jun 6, 2012

Talking About Science: Why Do You Do What You Do?

I often find myself in conversations about how to communicate with the public (i.e., a non-expert audience) about science. One of the things I often bring up is the importance of explaining WHY a given piece of research was done. This not only helps people understand the work, it also helps them relate to it.… 

Jun 4, 2012

Scientists Engaging With the Public: Let’s Get Started

Talking with the public about science is important. Note that I said talking “with,” not talking “to” – and certainly not talking “at.” A conversation is necessary. Engagement is necessary. And, frankly, the science community, in general, is not doing a very good job in this area. We’ve known for years that the level of… 

Jan 9, 2012

Early college high school students confront real-world issues

The Wake NC State Early College High School gives students a chance to earn college credit and confront real-world issues in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Mar 9, 2011

Zuiches Announces Retirement

Dr. James Zuiches, vice chancellor for the Office of Extension, Engagement and Economic Development, announced that he will retire by year's end. 

Feb 18, 2011

Let’s Talk About ScienceOnline2012

The Abstract crew is pretty excited that NC State is going to host the ScienceOnline2012 (Scio12) conference next January. If you’re not familiar with ScienceOnline, it’s a gathering of researchers, bloggers, reporters, authors and students (I can think of some people who are all of the above) who are passionate about science. And they’re not just… 

Nov 10, 2010

Sci/Med Writers: Are We Part Of The Problem?

Research is an incremental process, and there are precious few “Eureka!” moments when an idea springs forth fully formed, unfettered by qualifiers and questions that muddy the waters. As a result, those of us who write about science and medicine often take pains to ensure that we do not overstate research results. We use our… 

Oct 19, 2010

Designing For Life

Industrial design students got some real-world experience designing products for people with autism. See how they worked with a local nonprofit agency to test their ideas. 

Sep 15, 2010

Science Communication Breakdown (I Got Something I Think You Oughtta Know)

I used to work as a cook. And, as “Top Chef” aficionados know, teamwork is essential to cooking a good meal and getting it out on time. You can imagine how much more important teamwork is in today’s world of multi-institution, interdisciplinary research initiatives targeting complex scientific questions. Luckily, a new field of study is… 

Jul 26, 2010

Passing the Test

Who better to design a learning space than students? That was the thinking of Underwriters Laboratories executives, who worked with a quartet of NC State design students to imagine the interiors of the company's new education and training facility in Research Triangle Park. 

May 27, 2010

The Journey Home

This summer, NC State junior and Caldwell Fellow Saul Flores will walk and hitchhike from Ecuador to his home in Charlotte, N.C. - an 11-country, 4,558-mile journey on which he hopes to raise money for an impoverished school in Mexico while increasing the overall awareness of the struggles of people in the region. 

May 7, 2009

Planting a Seed

Brent Droege, a junior accounting major, is working to help youth in his community realize their potential by giving them real-life work experience with his seasonal lawn care business, launched in collaboration with the Agape Corner Boarding School in Durham. 

Sep 10, 2007

Going Mainstream

Visit Chatham County builder Will Johnson on a tour of a beautiful home he built that features the principles of universal design.